​Gesa, a leading credit union in the Pacific Northwest dedicated to driving meaningful change in the communities it serves, today announced an initial commitment of more than $75,000 to support relief and recovery efforts for the wildfires burning across Spokane County, including a dollar-for-dollar donation match up to $50,000.
 
Starting August 3, Gesa will match each dollar donated to the Gesa Community Foundation until matched contributions reach $50,000. Every dollar the Foundation receives will go to relief and recovery efforts in Spokane.
 
Donations can be made online or in person at any of Gesa's 46 branch locations.
 
“Spokane is one of the communities we call home, and our focus begins with relief and recovery for the neighbors, members, and team members who live there. This commitment of more than $75,000 is a starting point. We are continuing to monitor the situation, and as we learn what our community partners need most, we will provide additional support as those needs arise,” said Keven Gray, Chief Retail Officer at Gesa Credit Union.
 
As part of its commitment, Gesa is also donating $10,000 to fire agencies serving Spokane County. Four districts: 3, 4, and 9, and the Spokane Valley Fire Department will each receive $2,500.
 
Gesa has also designated more than $15,000 for community partners working in the affected areas. The credit union is reaching out to partner organizations to learn where the funding can have the greatest impact.
 
Donations to the Gesa Community Foundation’s Spokane wildfire relief campaign are accepted online and at any Gesa branch beginning August 3.

The Children’s Reading Foundation of the Mid-Columbia (CRFMC) is proud to announce Dawn Sileo as the new Board President for the 2026–2027 term.

Sileo is Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Nuclear Officer at Energy Northwest and brings more than 20 years of leadership experience focused on developing strong teams and building capable organizations. A longtime member of the nuclear industry, she recently returned to the Tri-Cities and is eager to invest in the community she and her family call home.

As Board President, Sileo will help guide the organization's strategy and growth as it continues expanding literacy programs across the Mid-Columbia.

“I am excited and honored to fill this role because I believe that empowering every child to read early and well is a key part of unlocking their full potential in school and life,” said Sileo.

"Dawn brings exactly the kind of leadership our organization needs as we grow," said Leanne Luehrs-Purcell, Executive Director of CRFMC. "Her experience building strong teams and her commitment to developing people to their full potential will help us expand our reach and deepen our impact across the Mid-Columbia."

In addition, the CRFMC welcomes two new Board Members to its Board of Directors: Rachel Corrigan; Educator, and Michelle Hill; HAPO.
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For more information about The Children's Reading Foundation of the Mid-Columbia and its initiatives, visit www.read20minutes.com.